Josh Hazlewood ruled out of T20 World Cup with injury
Australia have suffered a major blow ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the tournament due to a calf injury. The decision was confirmed on Wednesday, just weeks before the World Cup, dealing a setback to Australia’s bowling attack and marking the end of the famous “Big Three” pace era.
Hazlewood sustained the injury during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and failed to recover in time despite rehabilitation efforts. Cricket Australia said the medical team advised against rushing his return. “Josh hasn’t been able to reach full match fitness,” the board said in a statement, adding that the priority was his long-term health.
Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald admitted the loss was significant. “Josh is a world-class bowler and a big-game player. It’s disappointing to miss him at a World Cup,” he said. Veteran pacer Mitchell Starc also reacted, noting that “playing alongside Josh for so many years has been special.”
Hazlewood, Starc and captain Pat Cummins had formed Australia’s core pace trio for nearly 15 years, winning multiple ICC titles together. His absence forces Australia to rethink their bowling combination ahead of the global event.